Medical Bills for a Mother and Child are Overwhelming This Family

Shannon and Tom in Orland Park Need Help

Raising a child with special needs is something no one else except the family can truly understand. And when God blessed Shannon and Tom Nolan with Tommy — who was born in 2005 with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome — they welcomed the challenge with open arms. However, the stress of such a life takes its toll. In October 2012, Shannon was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a disorder similar to multiple sclerosis. She was forced to stop working for months as she struggled to gain control of the physical symptoms affecting her daily life. Mounting medical expenses are taking a toll on this family, says family friend Pamela McGushin.

Here are four more GoFundMe campaigns currently seeking donations in the Southland.

• NAWS St. Francis Medical Fund, for homeless pets in need of medical care. In Mokena
• Marilyn, a fully licensed and insured massage therapist who provides free massage therapy to cancer patients. In Homewood
• Kristi Acton is asking for help as Matty battles cancer. In New Lenox
• Michaela, a 21-year-old single mom in nursing school who underwent a double mastectomy, needs help with her medical bills, says Barb Haltom Stauffer. In Palos Hills

To learn more about any of these campaigns, click on the headline in the photograph and you'll be directed to their GoFundMe page. Look for more local and Chicago-area campaigns on GoFundMe, which has partnered with Patch to help draw attention to your neighbors in need.